museums & collections:

This page lists a number of museums which are either entirely devoted to (or have a substantial collection of) ancient, antique or modern glassware. It is by no means complete, so if your favourite museum is not included, please let us know!

Ashmolean MuseumSt John Street (off Beaumont Street), OxfordTel: 01865-278 000
A limited amount of glass on show (although I gather there is much more in their collection), scattered among other exhibits, but excellent examples. Particularly good selection of façon de Venise and of English 17th and 18th Century glassware. Well worth a visit. Open Tuesday to Saturday 1000-1700h, Sunday 1400-1700h (closed on some holidays). Admission free

Bristol City Museum & Art GalleryQueen's Road, Bristol, BS8 1RLTel: 0117-922 3571
Dedicated gallery containing the Chinese glass collection - one of the most significant outside Asia. 180 pieces ranging from 2,000-year-old beads found in burials to exquisite carved altar vessels made for the Chinese imperial household in Beijing in the 18th century. Also Roman & English glassware. Open 7 days a week 1000 - 1700h and most bank holidays. Admission free

British Museum.Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DGTel: 020-7323 8000
Huge and excellent collection of ancient/early glass, although, unfortunately, mixed in with all the other exhibits. Open Monday to Saturday 1000-1700h, Sunday 1200-1800h. Admission free, but donation of at least £2.00 requested

Harris Museum and Art GalleryMarket Square, Preston, Lancashire PR1 2PPTel: 01772 258248
Contains the Mrs French scent-bottle collection (largest in the country, & one of the most important in the world)

Turner Museum of Glassc/o Department of Materials Science & Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JDFounded 1943. The eclectic WES Turner collection of over 380 pieces of glass, from Roman to modern, from all over the world

World of GlassChalon Way East, St Helens, Merseyside WA10 1BXTel: 01744 22766
Glassware from the Pilkington Glass collection, & glass-blowing demonstrations . Another one we haven't visited, but it looks promising